The tech industry gave us a glimpse into the future this week during the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Packed with concept cars, AI and virtual assistants, CES proved we’re another year closer to living in a sci-fi movie. Here is some of the most fascinating tech unveiled in the City of Sin this year.

Robots Galore

Ubtech unveiled it’s latest edition of Walker: The Robotic Butler. Walker has built-in sensors that enable him to walk around without bumping into walls (I can’t even do that half the time), he has arms and hands that can grab and deliver items, as well as a facial recognition feature (again…he’s better than me) so he can remember who requested that Coke from the fridge. While the technology is pretty impressive, Walker is still a work in progress. More of a novelty than a necessity, Walker wouldn’t be the most efficient Butler in terms of speed or complicated tasks, but who knows what the future holds?

Honorary Mention: Foldimate, the laundry folding robot, attempts to eliminate the torture of one of humanity’s most mundane tasks. However, it’s size and price tag make it an unrealistic accessory for most laundry rooms. It is only first gen tech, so hopefully, updated models will be more accessible for the average household in the coming years.

Futuristic Vehicles

The Future is here… well, almost. One of the most fascinating and potentially useful unveilings was Hyundai’s Elevate, a walking car designed for emergency response. Currently a concept only, the four-legged vehicle is designed to tackle tough terrain, stand and walk on “legs” with omnidirectional wheels and bring relief during a crisis in ways we’ve never thought possible before.

Honorary Mention: Bell, a manufacturing partner to Uber, revealed Nexus the Flying Taxi equipped with six tilting fans and wings. Unlike Elevate, the Nexus prototype is life size and Bell hopes to begin test flights in 2020.

Gizmos & Gadgets

Everyone can relate to the hassle of worrying about luggage when traveling, so Ovis created the self-driving suitcase that can follow behind you as you race through the airport. Much like a small child, it gets distracted at times and wanders away, but it’s camera technology allows it to identify you and follow you when you’re in its sight.

Additionally, Inubox unveiled the dog toilet, which doesn’t need too much explanation. Artemis revealed a Smart Mirror that looks like it belongs in Minority Report, Sony exhibited an 8K TV which thrilled movie lovers, and Groove X designed an adorable robot Lovots you can snuggle – now available for sale in Japan.

Are you ready?

The display of talented inventors and developers proves that what we can achieve through technology is limitless. CES is an important reminder that the world is moving forward. Are you?

There are a grip ton of companies out there creating so many camera and grip accessories that it can get a little overwhelming to sort through them all. From pocket jibs to flywheels to app controlled motorized skaters, the market is flooded with nifty gadgets you want to add to your equipment cage. But, some products and companies are definitely better than others! Check out 3 companies creating some of the coolest toys in the industry!

Edelkrone

Edelkrone focuses on pint-sized, portable accessories that simplify the production process. From their PocketRig to the SliderOne, they deliver tiny tools to get smooth shots from interesting angles. Many of their products are app controlled, leaving less room for human error and more time to get that perfect shot. The motorized system is perfect for stunning timelapses and creative stop-motion projects. While all Edelkrone products are making a splash, people are especially enthusiastic about the Motion BOX and its ability to shoot 360 degrees in one fluid motion.

Kessler

Established in 2003, Kessler has become an industry leader, providing some of the most innovative camera and grip gear. For their latest invention, they merged the CineDrive and Shuttle Dolly into one groundbreaking system. The multi-axis motion controlled camera system slides easily along the dolly without missing a beat. The system is designed for users to have full control down to their fingertips by programming keyframes to ensure accurate camera movements at the precise time. To give you even more to nerd out on, the upside down camera movement on the dolly is pretty epic.

Rhino

If you search the internet for “best slider” Rhino undoubtedly has one of the largest and loudest fan bases out there. Rhino Slider EVO has the reputation of being the best in the game. One of the most notable ways this slider stands out among its competition is the flywheel. The flywheel securely sits on top of the slider to create the perfect amount of tension which keeps the camera flowing smoothly, avoiding any little bump in the road. That uninterrupted “sliding” motion is exactly why we use the slider to begin with and Rhino seems to have mastered it!

You say to yourself, “Why do I need to hire a crew for my social media campaign, my promotional video, or my company’s internal projects when I can do everything on my phone?”

Then you see incredibly beautiful images produced with the iPhone like this gorgeous short film by Amnesia Art and you think, “I can do that.” But, it’s not as easy as it looks.

When you see such a well crafted film like this it is easy to get swept away into the notion that you, yourself, or at the very least, your neighbor’s teenager because he’s better with technology than you are, can create something similar for your video project. Until you give it a try. Then, sadly, passed your deadline with half your budget wasted, you find yourself with unusable footage ruined by terrible lighting, unbearable sound and choppy editing.

Just like wearing Nikes doesn’t make you Jordan, the iPhone doesn’t make you a talented DP. Thedevice is only as good as the person operating it. Ryan Earl and Nick Arcivos, the talent behind this film, have years of experience as filmmakers and photographers. In their dedicated and very capable hands a phone becomes another tool in their arsenal to create a successful piece of art.

Another thing to consider is the extensive amount of equipment needed to create a piece that looks this professional. The Amnesia Art team posted the list of equipment they used which totals over $2,000. Half of that was spent on sound equipment alone! BECAUSE THAT’S HOW IMPORTANT SOUND IS! No one will watch your video if the sound is bad! That is why a professional Audio Tech is so crucial to the success of your project and worth every penny. Not to mention the smooth flow of the edit is not something that can be accomplished by just anybody, even with easy to use editing apps.

There is a laundry list of details that go into making a film like this. The kind of details that those of us who work in Video Production are completely passionate about, obsess over and educate ourselves on daily.

The iPhone definitely has a place in the DIY video world. You can make awesome videos for your podcast, Instagram or YouTube channel, but when it comes to larger endeavors and really higher-end projects – nothing beats experience. Or dedication. Or knowledge. Or passion. A crew of experts who understand how to use the equipment and deliver a solid project is always worth the investment.

If you’re in the video production industry, there is only one place you want to be when spring hits: Vegas! No, not just for the debauchery, but for the unveiling of ground-breaking gear that revolutionizes the way we do business. Spring means NAB.

But, what really stood out at the 2018 NAB Show?

Every year we want to stay on top of the latest gadgets and upgrades that make our shoots more efficient and our footage stunning. While everything revealed at the NAB Show is pretty exciting, the product that caught my attention this year was the Redrock Mirco Digiboom. Not only is the Digiboom hard to say without smiling, it is all too easy to envision its practical use and how it serves to improve production quality.

Sure, Sony showcased their new FS5 II with color science technology, and Blackmagic has a nifty pocket camera, but the Digiboom is the real game changer for everyday content. While at first glance it simply looks like a fancy boom pole, it’s actually a multi-purposed camera rig that merges jib, drone and steadicam technology into one pint-sized, easy to maneuver, handheld piece of magic.

Probably the most exciting aspect of the Digiboom is its ability to capture innovative 4k angles we’ve never seen before. Its flexible rig, 11 feet of extension and smooth stabilization allow the camera to move around and underneath objects. This all makes for spontaneous creativity, fast-paced action shots and more engaging interviews.

While other gear may have been equally mind-blowing at this year’s NAB Show, a product like the Digiboom has a real practical impact on our crews. Imagine the production value you can easily add to your corporate videos, commercials, and live events – with much less hassle and smaller cost. I must say, this new product is a bet that will pay off in happier clients and bigger profits.

Designed for the master camera operator, Digiboom is an essential tool to help our camera crews stand out among competitors and produce the best product possible. Luckily, what happens in Vegas isn’t staying in Vegas this time. You can pre-order your very own Digiboom now on the Redrock Micro website for a mere $500. Jackpot!

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

Gear failures, lighting blunders, audio fails—video productions are rife with opportunities for things to go wrong. Here’s some simple but hard-earned wisdom on ways production crews can prevent some of the most common and costly blunders.

How production crews can prevent costly filming mistakes

1. Plan, plan, plan…and then plan some more

If you ever want your footage to make it to post-production, you have to do some pre-planning. If applicable, get location permits and talent releases signed before you even show up and have extras on hand just in case. Know what kind of tone or look you’re going for. Have a rough schedule in place to determine what scenes and shots you need.

Over-communicate to be sure you understand your client’s vision. This sets you up to execute it to the best of your ability. Anything you can do ahead of time, do it. And then be ready to adjust on the fly because there’s one guarantee: It will never go exactly as you’ve planned.

2. Know your equipment

Never put yourself in position to have to learn gear under pressure. Not only is it embarrassing fumbling around on a shoot, it can also slow down production. It’s better to use tried and true equipment than to attempt learning shiny new stuff on the fly. Give yourself enough time to get comfortable. Even if you’ve been hired to use someone else’s equipment, see if you can spend a little time ahead of the shoot learning unfamiliar gear.

3. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst

Assemble a first-aid kit of sorts. Include extra batteries, memory cards, and lightbulbs as needed. Have two sources for capturing audio in case your first choice fails. Bring weather protection for your gear even if the forecast is clear. Include a world of gaff tape. The stuff works miracles—like rigging up a makeshift backdrop or holding microphones in place.

4. If you see something, say something

A lot of magic happens in post-production, but no amount of mixing or sweetening can bring back non-existent audio or make up for a poorly-lit set. Even if you are knee-deep in an interview, be ready to interrupt. Redoing lights or waiting for disruptive wind to die down may feel inconvenient in the moment, but it saves trouble in the long run.

The bottom line

Have a back-up plan for your back-up plan, keep gaff tape and other quick fixes on hand to prevent gaffes, and don’t rely on post-production to fix preventable errors. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference.

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign In to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

Every latest and greatest innovation becomes old news at some point. With the last big thing—unmanned aerial vehicles or “drones”—more accessible than ever, the next frontier is 360 video and virtual reality. Are you ready?

Here are 8 things to know before diving in to the world of 360 video:

1. 360 video is not VR

Virtual reality is to 360 video what the Model T is to the vehicle sitting in your driveway. We think that this article from Wired describes the relationship perfectly when it says “It’s a decent first taste, but 360 video is as far from real VR as seeing the Grand Canyon through a Viewmaster is from standing at the edge of the canyon’s South Rim.”

2. Viewers don’t need a special device

Put away the Google Cardboard. With the right browser or app, any old computer or phone screen works since you’re only scrolling through a standard video that just has more angles.

3. It takes some getting used to for producers

To date, those behind the camera have been able to direct viewers’ attention where they want it. Effective storytelling is a whole new challenge when viewers can choose where they want to look.

Also, there is no “behind the camera” anymore. Unless they want to be a part of the story, everyone on set better hang tight to the shooter or get the heck out of the way.

4. It also takes some getting used to for viewers

Viewers aren’t used to choosing what they want to look at and may not know what to do with that level of control. It might be helpful to include some ideas for how viewers should (and shouldn’t) interact with your video.

5. It’s easy to make people sick

VR uses sensors to track your head’s movement and create a new reality around that. Ideally you won’t be able to tell the difference between what is real and what isn’t. 360 video isn’t there yet, so poorly-done video is sure to induce motion sickness. Get around this by making videos that don’t suck and including a warning (or a humblebrag!) anywhere you share a 360 video.

6. Nature is calling

The great outdoors offer an amazing playground for shooting 360 video, especially if you’re ever wondered what it’s like to be surrounded by wild elephants or encounter a shark. It also provides unmatched perspective for things like being in the middle of a political rally, feeling like you’re on stage with a musician, flying in a hot air balloon, and more.

7. 360 video best practices don’t exist yet

Traditional techniques for framing, lighting, capturing audio, and producing go out the window with 360 video. The new norms are being formed as you read this, but here are some basic tips on everything from shooting to directing to editing from a production crew who’s already diving in.

8. It’s the new frontier

In any field, new frontiers are both challenging and exciting. Genres and techniques that don’t exist today will bloom from this new medium. Hiring any video crew is a big commitment, but hiring one with vision in a brand new speciality is a real leap of faith. Crew Connection makes it easier by offering only vetted crews with a solid work history and quality demo reels. If you’re ready to dive in, so are they.

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection puts a world of video service providers at your fingertips. In just a few clicks you can search, chat with, and book vetted crews local to your shoot—all on your own schedule. Rely on Crew Connection’s team of media experts to organize the crews and gear you need for multi-day and multi-location video projects anywhere in the world. Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock if you ever need live assistance. Visit CrewConnection.com, call us at 303-526-4900, or shoot us an email at info@crewconnection.com.

What better place to go for advice on how to build a successful production house than where competition is the stiffest? Mike Levy started Levy Production Group in 1987 and succeeded where many others failed—Las Vegas. We figure if you can make it in the entertainment capital of the world, you can probably make it anywhere. Here are our top four takeaways from Mike on how to build a successful studio:

Get experience

The best thing young, aspiring editors, camera people, and future business owners can do is get experience. If you want to become the go-to person in your field, take online courses, college courses, and even unpaid gigs as opportunities to learn the ins and outs of video production. Learn the industry overall, not just your position. Understanding everything from production through post makes you a well-rounded teammate or team lead. Not all jobs offer glamour, but all jobs offer experience.

Be nice

Being talented isn’t enough. Don’t just learn to be good at what you do, but also at how you do it. This is not your typical desk job. Our industry is famous for long hours, late nights, and many consecutive days on set. Tough conditions can bring out the worst in people. Those who can communicate clearly, listen well, and stay level-headed are invaluable. You’ll be remembered as much for the way you conduct yourself as for the work you produce. Be humble. Look to learn from people rather than to be right.

Behind the scenes with Levy Production Group.

A warehouse is just a warehouse

You can’t just call a large, open building a studio. Having enough room to shoot properly is just the beginning. If you really want to do it right, you have to be ready to invest in heating and cooling, overhead and floor lighting, and soundproofing, for starters. If clients have to redo a take because they hear an ambulance in the background, they’ll be taking their business elsewhere next time. You also need creature comforts so you can accommodate not just the shoots, but the people, too. Clients want to go to a facility that feels good—with nice dressing rooms, kitchen areas, restrooms, etc. Fresh-baked cookies (a Levy Production Group signature), goodie baskets, meals, snacks, candies, sodas, and gourmet coffees and teas go a long way toward making people comfortable and earning repeat business.

Find your niche and do it well

It seems simple, but most of the important things are. When you have the best resources and do the best work, you’ll get return clients. Word of mouth and reputation are irreplaceable.

After starting as an ad agency and outsourcing to local TV stations, Mike Levy decided to invest in a small stage to facilitate smaller projects like ChromaKey insert shoots and single-car shoots. Realizing that they were good at something and that they could get paid for it, Levy Production Group bought their first camera and editing package and have grown along with Vegas ever since. In their current 14,000 square-foot facility, they do everything from everyday interviews to shoots with big-name celebrities, athletes, and musicians.

Building any business can feel like a gamble, but with these key practices it’s a sure bet.

A peak inside the top-of-the-line studio at Levy Production Group.

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign In to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

This is one shortcut that will actually pay off!https://crewconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-iphone-desk-office_opt.jpg558322Crew ConnectionCrew Connectionhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=96&d=mm&r=gOctober 11, 2016October 11, 2016

Between all of the tasks you have to juggle on any given day, it’s a wonder you have time to breathe—much less log in and out of Crew Connection on all of your devices.

Here’s a (literal) shortcut that will keep you logged in and just a single tap away from Crew Connection when you add it right to your device’s home screen.

Safari on iPhone and iPad

Open Safari, which comes preloaded on your Apple device, and visit CrewConnection.com. Tap on the Share icon in the center of the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.

Tap “Add to Home Screen.”

Change the title of the shortcut to something simple and memorable. “Crew Connection” is a great option! Select “Add.”

The shortcut It will now appear on your home screen just like an app!

Chrome on Galaxy S6

Open the Chrome app and visit CrewConnection.com. Tap the menu button in the upper right corner.

Select “Add to Home screen.”

Change the title to something simple and memorable, like “Crew Connection.” This will be the name of the shortcut on your home screen. Select “ADD.”

Now you’ll be able to find the shortcut right on your home screen just like the rest of your apps—including Pokemon GO of course.

Please keep in mind that technology is always changing and we can’t possibly cover every ever-updating device out there. We tried to include instructions for the most popular devices, browsers, and versions. Even if you don’t use one of the specific items mentioned here, many systems work similarly when adding a shortcut—including laptop and desktop computers. Play around and see how you can create a Crew Connection shortcut on all of the devices that you use.

Sources

Crew Connection puts a world of video service providers at your fingertips. In just a few clicks you can search, chat with, and book vetted crews local to your shoot—all on your own schedule. Rely on Crew Connection’s team of media experts to organize the crews and gear you need for multi-day and multi-location video projects anywhere in the world. Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock if you ever need live assistance. Visit CrewConnection.com, call us at 303-526-4900, or shoot us an email at info@crewconnection.com.

Notice to every eager camera crew wanting to use a Small Unmanned Air System (sUAS) for commercial purposes: the FAA’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule (Part 107) went into effect August 29th, 2016. You can expect to see a whole lot more cameras in the sky for commercial purposes.

Here are five things aspiring operators need to do to prepare:

With 690 locations nationwide, you shouldn’t have trouble finding one near you. Note: if you already have an Part 61 pilot certificate, refer to the FAA’s fact sheet for information on your course of action.

3. Prepare for the test

You may wish to conduct your own independent study on materials directly from the FAA. Alternatively, you can take a course designed specifically for the test. There are several online programs. Whatever direction you take, the UAV Drone Coach offers a free and thorough overview/study guide of what you can expect to see on the test, including regulations, effects of weather on small aircraft, emergency procedures, maintenance and pre-flight inspection procedures, airport operations, and more.*

Questions about drones? Interested in gaining access to our international database of clients who are booking drone shoots daily? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign In to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

*We are not affiliated with the UAV Drone Coach in any way, but find their materials thorough and useful.

One of the best-known perks of freelancing is the flexibility. But for a freelance camera crew member, all that freedom comes at a cost. Sourcing new clients, managing a hectic schedule, and staying up to date on your insurance requires discipline. Whether you’re a beginning freelance camera crew or part of the old guard, everyone can use a little help. That’s why we reached out to one of our favorite freelance camera operators Rodney Lane Butler to pass on some of his hard-earned advice.

Rodney’s Tips for A Freelance Camera Crew Member

1)Be early.

Though no one notices when you’re on time, everyone knows when you’re late. So always be early. That is, if you want to keep working. Bonus tip: Apply this advice to every part of your life—not just call time.

2) To get on a crewer’s preferred list, do good work.

Edible Arrangements and a round of drinks alone won’t get a freelance camera crew more work. Great work gets you more work. Let your product speak for itself. When it does; crewers, directors, and producers will talk, too.

You’re only as good as your last job. Live sports and concerts are fun to shoot, but they’re unpredictable. You have to be on your toes 100 percent of the time. If you miss a moment, it’s gone. As Rodney says, “If you screw up three events in a row, they’re not booking you again.”

Reap the rewards while clients pay for expenses. Points and miles do accumulate! After 20 years in freelance media, Rodney rarely pays for personal flights, hotels, or car rentals.

4) Don’t pigeonhole yourself.

We’ve probably all heard that complacency is the enemy of excellence. Don’t take the same gigs year in and year out because they’re easy and you don’t have to learn anything new. Make yourself available for new opportunities. If a last-minute shoot comes up—take it! You never know where it might lead.

For example, say your 10-year stint with NASCAR comes to an end when they move to another network and you don’t. Such a change can leave you high and dry if you haven’t kept your options open and your skills sharp.

5) Learn to say “No.”

For Rodney, the flexibility of freelance media was the initial draw because it paid great and allowed him to spend time with his mom, who was fighting leukemia. He’s grateful for the time it provided with her before she passed away. However, the flexibility can also pose a challenge. Rodney’s says the hardest part of his job is “knowing when to say no to jobs so you can create time for your family.”

Once you commit to a freelance job, you’re going to have a hard time replacing yourself on set—even if it means missing an important birthday or family vacation. Rodney’s advice? “Just don’t take it if you are iffy.”

Rodney Lane Butler has been a freelance cameraman in sports television production for nearly 20 years. Rodney has filmed live concerts—his favorite!—with bands like KISS and Aerosmith and sporting events including NASCAR, NHRA drag races, the NBA finals, the Stanley Cup finals, and a Super Bowl. He’s even filmed shows with cameos from Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama. He specializes in robotics, RF cameras, handhelds, and remote sports camera operations. Book Rodney at 704-724-6287 or butlerr@bellsouth.net.

About Crew Connection:

Crew Connection connects you with media professionals—including the best freelance camera crew for your project— across the country and around the globe. With more than 25 years of experience and thousands of shoots with film crew pros to our credit, you can trust our expert coordinators to match you with the right freelance camera crew and equipment—every time.